This is an awesome way to layout your whole week's worth of boxes

Love it!

Head over to Ginger Snap Shots to read about how she "tweaked" the typical schedule strip to set it up for the entire week. Now that is awesome. One would need a couple extra cards (for repeat activities) but that is no big deal-esp. if you enjoy laminating like I do. Yes-I am a laminatiholic, and proud of it.

Anyhoo-enjoy her great post and perhaps it may just be the answer to help downsize some of your work for the week!

What is in the Teen's boxes? Good question!

So I have a lot of folks wondering what to put in the older kids' workboxes. This is a difficult problem because they most likely do not want to do "baby stuff" and yet, perhaps enjoy a few good activities that are not so academic like.

In general, my daughter (15) has set things she needs to accomplish and then we add when we can. She takes classes with our local HS group, so those assignments take top priority. Then I add in the things I want accomplished this semester and do my best to add the goodies.

Usual WKBX layout (Bible is the only one that consistently stays in the number one spot)

1. Bible (following Hewitt's Bible Syllabus and switch out couple times per week with Grapevine Studies on Bible Feasts and Holidays)

2. All American History Vol. 2-so we have a break down of a certain amount of reading and activity (sheets) and then add in a Civil War video (usually have her watch about 15-20 min worth each time to stay around the time frame of the reading information). Also add in President cards (found for a buck at Target this summer-I did laminate the flash cards to get more years out of em-but what I have her do is study the presidents up to where she is in the text...which right now is to Abe. Then she studies their years and order. I occasionally test her in the order and then have her tell me the years when she can recall them. I also have 2 books I add in at times-one really nice coffee table book on the Presidents-so she can gain even more insight about their life and times, and one on the ladies of the White House. I have her chose a gal that peeks her interest and read up on her. I am not looking to have her memorize it all-just be familiar with it. I will be adding in the timeline work soon-just haven't had the time to gather all the necessary items I want her to put on it (clip art, etc.)

3. Learning Lang. Arts thru Literature. Gold-Am. Lit. I add this in about 2x per week right now. We are just working thru each lesson (I add/delete the things we need/don't necessarily need to cover-), plus-Winston Grammar (refreshing her brain cells on grammar) and EDUDPS Write with the Best II for extra writing skills practice. 2-3x per week.

4. Extras: we are still working thru the Nutrition 101 course I received to review, so I will add that in 2x per week. I have her read the sections, do some suggested activities and make a couple dishes (when possible).
***German (right now using German in 10 min. a day) 3x per week

***also: 1 to 2x per week, I will add in her ACT Discover assignments (this is a cyber like career guidance program, so being that she is in 10th grade-this is a great mini-unit for her.

***then I add in the various fun stuff (will list later)

On top of that-she has a huge load to accomplish for her HS Group classes-so on Mon and Tues. (the days she goes) she will come home and start working on those items. The classes are Biology (using Apologia), Finance 101 (using several sources, including Rich Dad, Poor Dad), Film discussion, Painting with Acrylics and Quilting 101. So, using the teacher's syllabus' we work thru the assignments. The science takes a lot of time-so we have to slam down the majority of it early in the week. This means that usually until mid-Wed. her assignments from above (outside of Bible) are limited.Thurs. and Friday are usually almost all the ones above-then she wraps up any HS group classes.

I am finding right now-she is getting anywhere between 1-8 boxes.  The assignments take more time, so I haven't wanted to overload her.  Now, next semester-we will not be taking as many classes, so that we can get back into her subjects that we have had to way lay for a time-like One Year Adventure novel,  she will have a math class (not doing anything now due to her taking the Finance one), and I want to do a geography study with her.  Bible, History, Science and Lang. Arts will continue next semester too.

I have had a bit of time getting a handle on her boxes, since we just started using them, for her,  this fall.  Working around the workload of her classes, adding in the reg. ones we want to cover, and all the items we are trying to review for TOS, has not been easy-it is a juggling act for sure.  So it has not been as ideal as I would like.  I want to have neat and interesting things for her to do besides her reg. work-but time has been flying by and I have been dealing with a lingering lung/cough health situation that has been beating me up pretty good.  I am praying Nov. will be more productive.

OK, now the fun stuff I have done so far.  I have the Klutz fashion book where she designs clothes using their papers and accessories-so then I ask her to design an outfit or 2 and put it into her fashion folder (I have a pic of it in a previous post).  I also have her do math puzzles and games (I have this hard one from the dollar store that is a wood puzzle that has to be put back in order to make it-not easy to do), math programs via the 'puter, puzzles (like a big world and continent puzzle), word searches, German worksheets that reinforce what she is learning in German, baking goodies, Spears Art Studio activities (see my blog on lapbooking, I just posted a pic of her Pointilla activity), she works on her drawing via her puter, Music CDs (she has a timer card for about 15 min.  and a CD/player in her box), extra books I want her to read, her sewing assignment (I made a wee card that says for her to sew for 30 min.) and more.  My brain is toast right now...

I am not afraid to add in younger things either-they are fun!  Like the Rush Hour, seasonal crafts, jewlery making, clay crafting and she has been seen playing with Play Do still (uh, I am so guitly of this too, I simply love the smell-takes me back in time-and it is fun for a wee bit to create fun things using it :0) so why not?)

Well that is a bit of info on the teen's boxes.  Like I said-once I get more organized and can focus more-I will have a better listing and set up going for her.  Actually, I want to do a post about how to run the high school years more like how they do it in college.  I am seeing more and more, that this is really a great way to approach it.  But alas-that will wait until another time.

HTH

My Pal Honey at Sunflower Schoolhouse has a huge WKBX blog list and more

Head here: WKBX Blog Roll to find even more fellow workboxing 

families and links to other resources for it.

Thanks for doing this awesome post Honey-saves me loads of time! :0)

What is in the Box anyhoo? This week?

Well, we are currently doing this with the boy (2nd grade) (Not necessarily in this order, except for Bible, as we always start with that)...

1. Bible story and coloring sheet that matches the main story-every day

2. Math -Abeka 2nd grade (I will tear out the work page, add any necessary tag-a-longs such as a ruler or fraction puzzles, etc.) -4-5x per week

3. Beautiful Feet Early Am. History-Columbus (currently, just wrapped up Leif Erikson and Vikings)
So in the bigger bin goes:  D'Aulaire book on Columbus, Meet Christopher Columbus, and other noted books, plus various notebook pieces, such as pics to color, maps to work on, etc. We are keeping a History Notebook that these will all go into.  I do this about 3x per week. I am adding in videos from the library on Columbus and soon will have the Drive Thru History DVD to add in (one covering Columbus). 

4.  Apologia's Elementary Exploring Creation Through Astronomy.  I am using that as the base text, then adding in Lapinder (lapbook/notebook crossbreed of the two) components.  I found some thru the internet on the Notebooking to Learn (?) site, and the others using the Astronomy lapbook components I bought (will have to get the name of the company for ya-) .  I have those preprinted, cut and ready to go-so I just toss in the ones that match the sections we're discussing and when he is done, it goes into a big Ziplock to wait until that unit is over-then we paste it into the Lapinder.  2-3x per week

5.  All About Spelling, Level 2.  I try to do this 3-4x a week.  I have to put this in one of the first 4 boxes, otherwise he gets tired and his dyslexic brain does worse with reading/spelling. 

6.  HOP reading-Orange book and readers.  I again, have to have this near the top.  I do not make him read a lot (usually no more than 10 min.) because I have found he starts to really switch up and mix up words after about 10-15 mins.  So I am working on adding longer periods as he develops.  I will also have to add additional reading material by early spring.  Right now between the HOP and AAS, he is doing pretty good.
4-5x per week

7.  HW, Copywork -3-4 x per week.  I use the Italic HW program Getty/Dubay but am trying to work in Barchowski's HW program.  I need to print off more sheets-so right now I have him doing the ones that contain images with lines to help control and fine tune the HW skills.  For the Copywork it is the Memorial Press series.  I love this.  He writes the material (which is on the lines above the ones he is to write on) and then draws a pic to match.  I have him just about thru the first bk.  It has big lines, so I am anxious to get him into book 2, with smaller lines to control the billboard sized lettering I see now and again.

8.  Reading with me.  Right now it is Ginger Pye. Usuallly 3x per week.  We just pick a fun read that catches our fancy to add into our schedule.

9.  Lapbooks. I try to find one that is similar to our current studies.  But also add ones (like the Hot Dog one we just completed) that are not related-to help add variety.  I try to do one per 4-6 weeks. Haven't selected one yet, but am thinking one on fall activities would be appropriate.  Not sure yet.  When we are doing it-I try to do it 3x per week.

Those are what show up in the boxes on a very regular basis-but I also add in ones that are a mix of things-like: (these go in where there is a gap, so not sure how often per week-varies)

Spears Art Studio projects, SpellQuizzer, 1/4 Mile Math, Jumpstart CDs, Center time (right now it is the Astronomy one), physical activities, crafts, doing the Pirate DVD (moves his body), Nature walks/studies, playdough time (very good for him), baking, DVDs that tie into our studies, extra reading books, music CDs, experiments (like just last week I put his little trebuchet in the wkbox with varying items like erasers, balls, a big plastic frog and turtle and had him fling them via the treb.  He then took his tape measure and recorded their length of flight.  I then had him graph those results the next day), various math, geography, and puzzle activities, games, painting, file folder games, and so on. 

Found this at the Dollar Tree in that bin that is a mess of DVDs.  It has the kids moving to follow the arrows-excellent cross brain exercises for dyslexics.

Plus, he attends a Fun with Physics class (this semester) thru our local HS group. 

That is a minuete of what goes in our boy's boxes. 

I will post the teens soon.  My hands are tired and it is time to watch the DVDs I got thru the library on the Nat'l Parks. 

Til next time-

Finally-I have been able to upload the documents for All About Spelling on Scribd

I have these done for level 1 and 2 so far. Basically, I went thru each step, noted all the tiles, cards and other supplies you need per each Step. That way, you can fill the workbox with exactly those items-so you spend more time doing the lesson-and less scouring thru the goodies to find what you need for that lesson.

Sadly, they are not in the cute landscape layout that I originally designed them to be-as I think that was why I was having such troubles loading them. Well, they are there and that is the good part. Look for 3 and 4 soon!

These are all for Level 1

All About Spelling Level 1, Part I



All About Spelling Level 1, Part II (this includes the Step Cards for the WKBX).


These are all for Level 2

AAS Level 2, Part I

AAS Level 2, Part II

All About Spelling Level 2 WKBX Step Cards

Additional ASK SHERI post

This one is too good to wait upon-so here goes:

dccd mom writes:

I just have to ask you how you use spray glue without making a huge mess everywhere. I'm having trouble getting my file folder games to stick to the folder, especially when I'm using velcro. The spray glue seems perfect, except that I make such a mess with it. 

That is not a good situation.  I actually try to laminate most of my games.  I put them on to card stock, using a reg. stick glue-then laminate and (clear packing) tape them together.  But those are only for the ones I will get a long time use from.  The others, I usually use the double-sided tape (scrapbook isle in stores) or a really good glue (stick)  but when I do the spray glue [and that is more for the lapbooks] I have found:

1.  You need a bag of those cheap medical gloves-I am telling ya, that spray glue does go everywhere, and having to de-glue my hands is such a pain.  SO those puppies are coming in handy.


2.  You should have a cardboard box, or newspaper spread out before you spray.  That way, you can lay down the material to be coated, spray  and remove -with the over-spray stuck to your box and not you.

3.  You need to hold the can far enough away, but not so far the glue is rendered useless because it dries before it hits the paper.  Read the can and adjust as needed.  I found that about 6 or so inches is best.  Too much closer and it is overkill-farther than that-it simply won't get enough adhesion to stick nicely to your project.  (and that is what I am thinking is the problem-not enough glue is on it to stick properly)

4.  Remember too-you do not need to hold the button down and spray for an eternity (not sure if that is what is going on either).  Quick sprays in a sweeping motion, over the item only, should do the trick.  A couple swipes per item.  That will help keep the mess of the over-spray down too.  

I am thinking that if you are using Velcro for some of it-I would think those items would do better laminated, so the Velcro won't pull up on the paper, and so that your game won't be ruined.  

oh, and number 

5.  When it is cold out-the glue will not hold properly.  It has been so chilly here, that some projects I did this past weekend had parts that did not adhere correctly because of it-so I had to respray in the house.  Not something I recommend, but a necessity if living in the North.  This stuff stinks and is not good for breathing in!  

6.  When all else fails-use that clear Elmer's glue (sparingly) to adhere your stuff.

Well, hope this will give you some ideas to see if you can fix the problem.  

Thanks for asking! 


 

The ABC Teach goodies I put together

I am currently reviewing the ABC Teach online site for TOS.  I thought I would share here, a few goodies I have put together so far.

First up for your viewing pleasure is the German reinforcement charts I found.  They are actually worksheets, but being the workbox lady that I am, I found that by backing the two pages (one with the German names/blank spot for English names on it for the pictures; and one with both sections blank to fill it) that I could create a packet of laminated charts my daughter can use and reuse to practice those words.  She asked for extra goodies to test her, and to help her remember the words-that are not a part of  the program we use.  Thankfully, ABC Teach has a whole section of great supplements for foriegn languages.  I still have to print the flashcards, and more sheets like this-but it is a start.  And I have a jump ring to add more as we go.  It will add a little pizzaz in her workboxes.

Behind curtain number 2, we have this fine little package. Using the section on Mini Offices, I was able to download and print those things my son is or has worked on in math. Some of it is a bit advanced, but we will be getting there soon, so I put them in. There are lots to select from. I used your typical file folders, laid a sheet of trimmed color paper down first (because, if you read my Lapbook blog-this is something I do; as I feel it helps the material you put there POP out and become more noticeable. But if I had all colored file folders, I wouldn't necessarily have to do that.) Then I applied the charts and graphs that pertain to his needs. I used the spray can of glue and I am telling you-it is the only way to go with projects like this. I then did the middle section, then I spray glued the back side of that file folder, and stuck it to a new one. I can add many more as we go using this process. The Mini-Office idea is not new to the education world, but it was newish to me. I heard my fellow TOS mates discussing it before I had a chance to read thru Sue Patrick's WKBX book, and sure enough-thought it was a pretty good idea. I could have used one of these puppies whilst I was in school-including college! I will be making a language one as we go. Right now, it isn't necessary because he simply isn't at that point of a lot of grammar and the like.  [*I let the boy sticker it up to make it "his"-and to fill in some open spaces.]

Now this set is for the boy.  I found he was struggling to understand what a dozen, 1/2 dozen were.  So I found these cool construction dudes/dudettes in the clip art section, along with the awesome signs.  He loves this sort of thing-so I am running with it.  I then took a few items out of the package of construction cut-outs from the Room Decor packet for teachers, that  I bought at the Dollar Tree this summer.  It had big orange cones that I really wanted to use, but there is only 5-so I am saving those for another game. I grabbed the 4 work zone cards, and one of the barriers to laminate and use.  I almost bought the little cones that came in a packet of 25 and now regret not doing so.  I will keep a look out, b/cuz I am thinking I could make a game board using them and with the signs and such-have a cute activity for him.  I also used my MS Word clip art to find the clipboards.  I printed all of that, plus typed up some cards for it.  After he gets the dozen thing, I can just make new cards to address any issues that come along (I am already thinking of making multiplication ones and so on).  The idea behind this game is that he takes his clipboard and chooses a card with work orders.  It tells him how many signs need to go on 2 of the work zones. He then choses one card at a time from the sign collection pile. He reads what it says and if he gets to collect signs, he does. Other times he may lose signs that fell off the truck.  After he gets enough signs to fill the order-he puts those signs on the appropriate work zone sign.  When he completes his orders. He starts over again.  It is that simple (and because the cards are broken down into numbers that all go into 12,  and it says things like "pick a dozen signs" he is learning thru fun-what a dozen means).  I can also have him do some other projects and activities that teach it as well-but this one is so personal and enticing to my ever loving construction boy.

There you have it-by using the components I found on that site, and with a few things I had laying around-I now have some more fun activities for our workboxes!  Cool.  One of the things I want to be careful of in regard to the workboxes/kids, is to not worksheet  them to death. This site is very worksheetish by nature-but by thinking outside the worksheet zone-I came up with a few games and ideas that are less "just fill in the papers" or "keep em busy" type of work. I  managed to create a few items which reinforce what we are learning, and still keep it from being boring.  I am seeing a lot more I can do with their stuff.  I hope to have at least a couple more posts before the subscrip runs out.  So until next time.....

ABC Teach homepage

A different approach to those expandable file folders my daughter is using

So I was using paper clips to attach the little notes and info cards for my daughter's workbox file folders-and grew very tired of the paper clips failing in their mission, the fact a lot of  them would go MIA. Oh, and simply-the messiness of it all.
Then my brain had one of those light bulb moments. I grabbed my pack of library pocket cards I bought during the summer (of course, from the Dollar Tree) and spray affixed them to the folders-now I can simply slide the note in there. No more lost cards! The only problem with this is that the cards I use (except the long white ones and index cards) are a tad too wide. So I will simply run another set off and trim the closer to fit. I can still use these files for a lot of other things, once we switch to the shelving unit (when that is going to happen is a mystery).

Thought I would share that helpful idea, as I know a few of you are also using files/expandable ones.

Time for another ASK SHERI

My lovely bloggie pal, over at One More Equals Four has been asking some great questions, so here is her latest:

I am wondering how much time it took you initially to get organized and fully functioning with the work boxes. Did you ease into it or transition into it as you got things ready?

Here is my best answer-

Uh, well, ya see-I am still getting organized. This workboxing thing has become a new passion of mine. But that said-I am spending a lot of time organizing, and figuring out stuff because I am constantly distracted by new ideas on what to create to put into it! That is not the norm for most workboxing moms.

The actual set up took all about an hour (assembly and getting some numbers made) but from there-yes, that took time. Maybe the first month of using it was more involved in organizing, and switching around to find what worked and didn't. I didn't own the book [at the time] nor have the access to the downloads, so I had to make everything myself (time eater, but I enjoy doing it). Then what I did, was kind of organize as I went. I would figure out what I was in need of-then work on that. For example: I needed a place to put all these new file folder games, cards, activities so that I could find them asap and not waste time hunting them down-so I had to find some totes to store them. At times, I realized the need after I was setting up or putting things away (like I realized I needed a place for the kids to put their finished work, and another to put their non-consumable items) or a lot of the times I needed [and had to create] certain cards, center set ups and so forth. That comes thru use, which equals time.

What I realized quickly is that I couldn't get the main stuff together, teach, and do other mommy duties-without burning out like a bad TV sitcom. So I designated a week for prep. My hubby was home that week, so he was able to keep the boy busy (the others are older and can easily care for themselves) whilst I printed, cut, searched for ideas, printed again, cut, laminated, laminated, Velcro'd and added a whole bunch of "needful" things to my collection. Then I sorted, packed them in Ziplock bags, put em in specific totes (I have a tote for the Lapbook components we are going to study and another for all the File Folder games, and those type of goodies) and then stood back admiring my hard work. Uh, until I realized the classroom set up was not conducive to the new additions in the room, the boy's workbox rack and so forth. So gosh, I had to rearrange the area again (another weakness) but-I suspect after a lot of hours-I walked away satisfied.

Now I just add when I can-I like to keep an hour or so here and there during the week (nites) to find and print new stuff, organize things I need to finish; and then usually on a Sat. I will take an hour or so to figure out what I want to cover in the coming week.  It takes me about 15 mins. to pack the boy's boxes (but a lot of times I pull it off the top of my head which makes that longer at times).  I have to "think" and I am still working on getting the week ahead better scheduled to keep the time to pack down.  Esp. for the teen.  I had to wait tho on her b/cuz she has 5 classes thru a homeschool group and I needed see the syllabus listings first.  So I am still figuring it all out, and taking more time for her-but about 15-20 min. usually.

You may find you need to take a couple full days to get all the cards, supplies and other such things organized and in place-so you can feel better and things will go more smoothly. Unfortunately, I cannot put an actual amount of time out there. Mostly b/cuz I am nuts and do all the extras and such.  For a normal person-maybe a good week of intense work on it (not all at once) should do. With all the gals out there who are sharing their ideas and downloads-it is helping to save time "reinventing the wheel" with all those download and activity ideas.  If you need time to get a good grasp on it-then perhaps just schedule 1/2 days for a week or so.  Have the kids do their stuff in the morn...you work on tweaking the system in the afternoon while they play, do individual activities.

The second part of your question:

I started it with just 4-6 boxes for the boy.  I was more interested in him getting used to how it worked, and what was expected of him.  Then I could see what I needed to drop (amount of work in the box or repetitive things he became bored with) and then I also saw what I needed to add.  I did put more fun things in than meatier stuff at first to "hook" him.  But this child was one who loathed school at the ripe age of 7, so I had to make it a bit more of a grand time, than I would have for a child who didn't have such a disdain for it.  My teen, well-I started her this fall and didn't "circus it up" b/cuz she is older and understands that she needs to complete certain things-but I did add in those fun activities we were missing, and it is going well so far.

I kept the 4-6 boxes (sometimes I did 8) for several months.  Then I took the summer to think out and plan and create.  We do anywhere from 6-12 but stay more at the 10-11 box level, and a lot of those have non-'R'R&'R material.  On days I can see we're dogging it, I will just grab a few off the shelf and save them for the next day.  Other days, we whip thru them and have the afternoon for lots of outdoor activities and such.

SO, eased into it thru several months of use, for the younger child; transitioned the teen into it in a week's time.

I haven't exactly answered your questions,  because it depends on your child(ren), you and your time allowances. It is different than it would be for me.  If you are feeling pinched-ease back and figure out what it is that is causing the stress-either eliminate that component or find a better solution.  If the kids need to get used to this new system-wean em in.  Do as many boxes as you think their age can handle, but do not feel you have to do all 12!!  This is suppose to help improve and enhance the HS experience not kill it.  You'll find the balance soon.  It just takes time.  Keep an open mind (and ya know-there are days we DO NOT do workboxes-yes!)  Gasp!  And go figure-we still survive-LOL! 


Well, hope I helped give you some ideas. Hang in there, it gets easier as you get your "groove on" and the kids get used to the set up.

In/Out Session Center cards

Here is another part of the WKBX system that still has me wondering...the jury is still in deliberation regarding the necessity of them for my children [again folks-this is a personal decision and must be based on your child(ren)'s needs/learning styles, etc.]. I decided I wanted to do something else, a bit different (again) than what is included in the purchase of the book. I like graphics that are bold and colorful, and when I stumbled upon these in MS Word, I saw the potential for the Session cards. As a part of the review process, I truly want to try all the different ideas/components of the WKBX system, and so I broke with my normal aversion to such things, and made the kiddos a set each.

I loved the color and images and didn't want to "cover it up". One of my fellow TOS Mates mentioned she used clear packing tape to create a pocket-well, that got me to thinking!  I had accidentally run an extra laminating sheet thru the machine and so I had a whole big piece of see-thru possibilities right under my nose. I simply cut to size the section I needed to create a "pocket". Then I used my ever trusty clear packing tape to secure it.  I also cut a strip of cardstock to make the background base for this, added an extra cooridinating piece of cardstock for drama (scrapping skills coming thru here!) and print out of their names (which are blocked out) to pull the Session Center together.  When I originally created the cards in Paint-I didn't realize the size!  Oi!  SO when I went to print-they were pretty large-I have resized them now. Not being one to waste good ink/paper, I worked with what I already created.  So they are big (about 4" across)-but maybe that is a good thing-they certainly cannot claim that they can't see 'em!

Here is the boy's....[clarification-the In/Out cards are separate pieces I glued back-to-back before laminating...but I suppose you could have 2 cards instead-I just didn't want to make another area to store them-hence the flipper-over card.]

Uh, it is not hanging crooked on the wall-for whatever reason, guess my angle, it just appears to be so. I have these right next to the chart to hold the WKBX number cards (ones that come off of the boxes)-so it is very visually noticeable!  

So if you decide to go this route-I will try to get those downloads up soon-for whatever reason, when I go to upload I am not seeing them-and I know they are there! Oi. Otherwise, making your own is easy too. I have a few different backgrounds made up for different tastes...look for them soon (I hope).